The Catholic Pastoral Scout Commission in Argentina (COPASCA) met to prepare a triennial plan to develop tools and resources for scout groups and dioceses. In addition, in June, activities were developed for scouts of all ages to promote Laudato Si’ and celebrate World Environment Day.
Catholic Scouting America (NCCS)– United States of America
The members and leaders of the NCCS had their annual gathering in Wichita, Kansas, on April 16-19, 2026. The conference started with a mass. Fr Mark Carr, national chaplain of the NCCS, celebrated the Mass at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.
Bill Guglielmi, NCCS National Chair, updated the membership on the year’s accomplishments and goals. He also discussed rebranding the NCCS as Catholic Scouting America.
The Totus Tuus Award, a new national-level distinguished service award, was then presented to 8 leaders (lay and clergy) who promoted International Catholic Scouting. Some of these recipients also were engaged with the ICCS.
The NCCS also awarded 15 college scholarships to scouts who were high school seniors graduating this year. A report on Leaven in the Dough, an ICCS project, was presented next, along with highlights of international activities in which NCCS is involved.
Following these reports, Ricky Mason, National Chair of Scouting America, addressed the importance of faith in Scouting and the relationship between Scouting and catholic organizations, churches, and schools.
Steve Kent, a member of the World Scout Committee, then addressed the importance of interfaith and interreligious dialogue in scouting. He further described scouting as more than learning skills and service, emphasizing its role in personal growth and spiritual development. He also spoke about the Interfaith conference that will take place in Marceille, France, “Education For Peace Through Interreligious Dialogue.”
Looking ahead, in July, the NCCS will host a Scouting in the Catholic Church Conference for leaders at the Philmont Training Center. Additionally, 11 scouts will participate in a trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch, a high-adventure leadership program and vocation discernment. This carefully chosen group of Catholic scouts will be led by selected priests, seminarians, and religious advisors.
Notably, this year also marked the 100th anniversary of the first Ad Altare Dei award to scouts, which emphasizes spiritual development, religious activities, and service.
The ICCS-IA Communication team consists of scouts from Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, the USA, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay. This team developed and prepared 138 publications and postings. These materials promote Catholic scouting and celebrate Catholic feast days.
Ynes ORTEGA
Vice-Chair
Regional Committee Inter-America